CA2315734A1 - Multi-function modular storage light unit - Google Patents

Multi-function modular storage light unit Download PDF

Info

Publication number
CA2315734A1
CA2315734A1 CA002315734A CA2315734A CA2315734A1 CA 2315734 A1 CA2315734 A1 CA 2315734A1 CA 002315734 A CA002315734 A CA 002315734A CA 2315734 A CA2315734 A CA 2315734A CA 2315734 A1 CA2315734 A1 CA 2315734A1
Authority
CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
module
primary housing
unit
light unit
function modular
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
CA002315734A
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Vincent Leung
David Bamber
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Coleman Co Inc
Original Assignee
Coleman Co Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Coleman Co Inc filed Critical Coleman Co Inc
Publication of CA2315734A1 publication Critical patent/CA2315734A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21LIGHTING
    • F21VFUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V33/00Structural combinations of lighting devices with other articles, not otherwise provided for
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21LIGHTING
    • F21LLIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF, BEING PORTABLE OR SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR TRANSPORTATION
    • F21L2/00Systems of electric lighting devices
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21LIGHTING
    • F21VFUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V33/00Structural combinations of lighting devices with other articles, not otherwise provided for
    • F21V33/0004Personal or domestic articles
    • F21V33/0052Audio or video equipment, e.g. televisions, telephones, cameras or computers; Remote control devices therefor
    • F21V33/0056Audio equipment, e.g. music instruments, radios or speakers

Abstract

A multi-function modular storage light unit including a primary housing unit and detachable modules such as a radio and an auxiliary flashlight. The primary housing unit contains a spotlight, s power switch, and a handle to carry the unit. There is also a storage compartment built into the primary housing unit.
The modules preferably include belt clips for hands-free transport. The modules are removably attached to the primary unit by way of an attachment mechanism which may include alignment features and a latching mechanism. The modules may alternatively be removably attached by their belt clips to sleeves arranged on the.primary housing. Each of the detachable modules and the spotlight is independently powered.

Description

Field of thg Inveati.oa The present invention relates to portable light units, in particular to a mufti-function portable light unit.
Background Iafo~ation ' Zn general, lights or flashlights used in combination with radios or other auxiliary flashlights are well known. These type of mufti-function light units may contain several different functions (i.e., radio, flashlight, tape recorder, sa.ren, etc.).
However) each of these different functions are either built into or permanently integrated into the housing unit of the light. In other words, a user Cannot separate one functional component from another. Therefore, if the user carried this mufti-function light unit to a park, and wanted to detach, for example, the radio to be.
used in a_separate area of the park, the u.ser.would not be able to do so because the radio is built into ox- is permanently. integrated into the mufti-function light unit. Thus, the user must always bring along the entire mufti-function light unit wherever the user chooses to go.
Furthermore, none of these conventional mufti-function light units contain any useful storage compartment. Instead, these designs attempt to utilize any space available fox a particular function such as a radio, another flashlight, etc.
Theref ore, when the user would like to store small valuables such as first aid items or spare keys, the user must store those items in his or her pocket, or find another place to store those items.
Ssnnmary of the Invention The present invention solves the problem of having to carry the entire mufti-function light unit everywhere with the ~e294856.1 user by providing a mufti-function light with detachable modules which can be conveniently separated from the primary multi-function light housing unit. Detachable modules in accordance with the present invention include a radio and an auxiliary flashlight. Each module may include a belt clip, so that the user can carry the module hands-free.
In an exemplary embodiment, the detachable modules are removably attached with a latching mechanism to the primary housing unit. In a further exemplary embodiment, the detachable modules are rernovably attached to the primary housing unit by the belt clips on the modules.
The present invention also allows users to store small valuable items by providing a storage compartment within the primary housing unit.
Brief Description of the Draxing Figure 1 is a side view of as exemplary embodiment of a mufti-function modular storage light unit in accordance with the present invention. .-..
2o Figure 2 is a side view of=the mufti-function modular storage light unit of the side opposite from that of Figure.;i..
Figure 3 is a top view of the mufti-function modular ~"
storage light unit of Figures 1 and 2.
Figure 4 is a front view of the mufti-function modular storage light unit of Figures s-3.
Figure 5 is a rear view of the mufti-function modular storage light unit of Figures i-4.
Figure 6 is a perspective rear side view of the multi-function modular storage light unlit of Figures 1-5, with the storage compartment door in an open position.
Figure 7 is a perspective side view of the multi-function modular storage light unit of Figures 1-6, showing a detachable module detached from the main unit.
Figure 8 is a perspective side view of the multi-function modular' storage light unit of Figures 1-7, showing a detachable module detached from the main unit.
IQ13:294658.1 Figure 9 is a view of a side of a detachable module which faces the main unzt when attached to the multi-function modular storage light unit.
Figure 10 is a cross sectional view of the multi-function modular storage light unit.
Figure is is a cross sectional view of a detachable module attached to an open pocket attachment sleeve of the primaxy housing unit.
Figure 12 is a cross sectional view of a detachable module attached to a closed pocket attachment sleeve of the primary housing unit. w Figure 13A is a perspective side view of an alternative embodiment of the mufti-function modular storage light unit.
Figure 138 is side view of the primary housing unit of Figure 13A.
Figuxe 13C is a front view of a detachable module of Figure 13A.
Figure 13D is a side view of a detachable module of Figure 13A.
Detailed b~escriptioa of the Invaata.on .
The present invention. relates to a mufti-::f~ulictian ~ ~ .
modular storage light unit 1 which comprises a primary housing unit 2 and detachable modules~5, which fit and/or attach to the primary housing unit 2_ The primary housing unit 2 may be of an ergonomic design. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the primary housing unit comprises a handle 4 and a spotlight 6. The handle 4 is preferably also of an ergonomic design that will. allow the user to comfortably grip the handle, but may be of any design known to the art. A power switch 3 is included for turning the spotlight 6 on or off. The power switch may also be designed to adjust the power of the spotlight. Any spotl~.ght as known in the art may be used.
Preferably, a spotlight with a krypton bulb that gives a powerful broad light beam is used. The spotlight 6 may be powered by batteries, which are located in the battery compartment 22 of the KL.3:29iB56.1 3 primary housing unit (see Figure 10), or by any other electrical power means known in the art.
Furthermore, the primary housing unit 2 preferably contains a storage compartment 9 to allow the user to store small items. To maximize the space available, the storage compartment 9 is located on the primary housing unit 2 on the end opposite from the spotlight 6. The storage compartment comprises a space 1$ for holding small items, such as first aid or valuable items. The space 18 is enclosed by a storage compartment door 16. The 20 storage compartment door 16 may be attached to the primary housing unit 2 by a hinged connection 17 which allows the storage .
compartment door 16 to be moved into an open position (as shown in Figure 6) to expose the space 18 or a closed position (as shown in Figure 5) to cover the space 18. When moved into the closed position, the storage compartment door 16 may be further secured to the primary housing by a locking mechanism 10. Additionally, it is preferred that the storage compaz~tment door 16 be designed so it forms a water-tight seal to prevent or minimize any.li.quid from reaching the ~.tems in space .18 when -the .door .16, is :in. the closed position. -- . - ~ - _ y ., zn an exemplary embodiment, the detachablevmodules 5~ -include a detachable radio module a and a detachable au-xiliary .
flashlight module 7. By providing detachable modules, the present invention allows the user to carry the radio 8, for example, without having to take the entire primary housing unit 2 with the user wherever the user chooses to go. The user is free tv choose whether to take just one or two of the detachable modules '7 and 8, or to bring along the entire multi-function modular storage light unit 1.
Moreover, each of the detachable modules 7 and 8 is powered by its own power source, such as separate batteries in its own battery compartment (not shown), or by any other method known in the art. A separate power switch is provided on each of the detachable modules '7 and 8 for operating the respective module.
By individually powering each module 7 and e, the user may still KL3:~9aessm use the detachable modules 7 and 8 even if the main power source to the spotlight 6 fails.
Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, each detachable module 5 preferably includes a belt clip 1S attached thereto. The be~.t clip 15 allows the user to carry the detachable module hands-free by simply clipping the module onto a belt, pocket or any other item. The belt clips 15 may be attached to the modules, such as by screws or by any other means known in the art, or may be integrated with the module housings.
to A mechani$m for attaching the modules 5 to the primary housing 2 will now be described with reference to Figures ? and B.
In the preferred embodiment, guiding means are provided to allow the modules to be aligned properly and consistently anytime the modules are to be reattached to the primary housing unit. Figures 7 and 8 illustrate that such guiding means may include a series of rails 12 located on the detachable modules 7 and 8 and as well as corresponding rails 11 located on the primary housing unit 2.
When the detachable modules 7 and 8 are properly aligned~.the ra~.ls 12 on the detachable modules 7 and 8 straddle the corresponding rails 11 of the primary housing unit 2, as shovm in.., Figures 1 and 2. In the alternative, the rails 1~-and 12 may ~e~
arranged so that the rails 11 straddle the rails 12.
Once the detachable modules '7 and 8 have been positioned to be secured to the primary housing unit 2, a latching mechanism 13 is used to further accomplish the attachment. In the preferred embodiment, the latching mechanism for each module includes a projection 19 which slidably projects horizontally outward from the primary housing 2 into the cavity into which the module 5 is to be received. The projection 19 is attached to a knob 20 on the side of the primary housing 2 by which a user can slide the projection 19 into and out of the receiving cavity. The projection 19 is preferably biased, such as by a spring (not shown), to project into the receiving cavity.
To attach the module 5 to the primary housing, the user pulls back the projection 19 via the knob 20 and slides the module on the rails 7.1 into the receiv=ng cavity. Once the module 5 is fQ3:z94H56.1 fully seated in the cavity, the projection 19 is slid forward (either by sliding the knob ~0 or releasing the knob: if spring loaded) and is received in a corresponding opening 14 in the module housing. The opening 14 aligns with the projection 19 when the module S is properly positioned for attachment to the primary housing unit 2. Once the projection 19 is in the corresponding opening 14, the detachable module 5 is securely attached to the primary housing uniC 2.
Although the latch~.ng mechanism 13 is shown an the back 1.0 portion of the housing 2, it can also be arranged on the front end. Moreover, it may be possible-to eliminate the sets of rails 11 and 12 on the side of the module 5 which receives the projection 19.
- An alternative guiding arrangement is shown in Figures 13A-13D. In this embodiment, one or more rails 11 are arranged on the primary housing 2 opposite from the latching mechanism 13.
The module S includes one or more recesses 120 which correspond. to the one or more rails 11 on the housing. An opening 14 Corresponding to the projection.l9 of the.latching mechanism 13 is arranged on the opposite end of the module 5.
Several alternative arrangements are possible within the scope of the invention. For example, one or more additional rails 11 may be arranged on the housing 2 on the opposite side of the module receiving cavity, with a corresponding one yr more additional recesses 120 arranged on the opposite end of the module 5. Furthermore, any combination of rails and corresponding recesses may be provided on the primary housing 2 and each moduJ.e 5 (e. g., rails on the modules and recesses on the primary housing;
a rail on one end of the module and a recess on the other end; a recess and a rail on one end of the module and a recess and a rail vn the other end, etc.) Moreover, the latching mechanism ~.3 may be arranged on the module 5 and the corresponding opening 14 may be arranged on the primary housing 2.
In an alternative embodiment, the detachable modules 7 and 8 may be attached to the primary housing unit 2 by using the belt clip 15 as an alternative latching mechanism. In this fe.3:zsaess.~

embodiment, a sleeve 23 for receiving the belt clip 15 therein is provided on the inner wall of the module~receiving cavity, as shown in Fxguxe e. A module 5 is thus attached to the primary housing 2 by clipping it via its respective belt clip to the sleeve 23.
Alternative embodiments for the sleeve 23 are shown i.n Figures 11 and 12. As shown in Figure 11, the sleeve 23 may be an open pocket sleeve, whereby the clip 15 passes through the sleeve 15. The belt clip preferably comprises a barb 15o at its free end. In the embodiment of Pigure 11, when fully seated in the' sleeve 23, the barb 150 catches on the bottom rim of the sleeve, thereby securing the belt clip 15 in the sleeve 23.
As shown in Figure 12, the sleeve 23 may include a ridge 24 in its interior which engages the barb 150 of the clip 15.
Those skilled in the art will realize that various changes and modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the spirit of the invention arid it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as falling within the scope of the invention. ~ ~ ~ . .- .. .. - -~a:2saess.i 7

Claims (16)

What is claimed is:
1. A multi-function modular light unit comprising:
a primary housing unit, the primary housing unit including:
a light-emitting device, a handle, and a power supply;
at least one module; and an attachment mechanism, the attachment mechanism removably attaching the at least one module to the primary housing unit.
2. The multi-function modular light unit of claim 1, wherein the primary housing unit includes a switch for selectively powering the light-emitting device with the power supply.
3. The multi-function modular light unit of claim 1, wherein the primary housing unit includes a storage compartment.
4. The multi-function modular light unit of claim 1, wherein the at least one module includes a radio.
5. The multi-function modular light unit of claim 1, wherein the at least one module includes a flashlight.
6. The multi-function modular light unit of claim 1, wherein the at least one module includes a radio module and a flashlight module.
7. The multi-function modular light unit of claim 1, wherein the at least one module includes a belt clip.
8. The multi-function modular light unit of claim 1, wherein the attachment mechanism includes:
a latching mechanism, a first alignment feature, the first alignment feature being arranged on the primary housing unit, and a second alignment feature, the second alignment feature being arranged on the module, wherein the first and second alignment features engage to align the module with the primary housing unit.
9. The multi-function modular light unit of claim 8, wherein the first alignment feature includes a first pair of rails and the second alignment feature includes a second pair of rails, the first and second pairs of rails being arranged so that one pair straddles the other pair when the module is aligned with the primary housing unit.
10. The multi-function modular light unit of claim 8, wherein the first-alignment feature includes a rail and the second alignment feature includes a recess, the recess receiving the rail therein when the module is aligned with the primary housing unit.
1i. The multi-function modular light unit of claim 8, wherein the first alignment feature includes a recess and the second alignment feature includes a rail, the recess receiving the rail therein when the module is aligned with the primary housing unit.
12. The multi-function modular light unit of claim 8, wherein the latching mechanism includes a projection which slides into a corresponding opening in the at least one module when the module is attached to the primary housing unit.
13. The multi-function modular light unit of claim 7, wherein the attachment mechanism includes a sleeve arranged on the primary housing unit to which the belt clip on the at least one module may attach.
14. The multi-function modular light unit of claim 13, wherein the sleeve includes a ridge for engaging the belt clip of the at least one module.
15. The multi-function modular light unit of claim 3, wherein the primary housing unit includes a storage compartment hatch for removably enclosing the storage compartment.
16. The multi-function modular light unit of claim 15, wherein the storage compartment hatch is hingedly attached to the primary housing unit.
CA002315734A 1999-08-06 2000-08-04 Multi-function modular storage light unit Abandoned CA2315734A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US09/369,552 1999-08-06
US09/369,552 US6296370B1 (en) 1999-08-06 1999-08-06 Multi-function modular storage light unit

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2315734A1 true CA2315734A1 (en) 2001-02-06

Family

ID=23455928

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
CA002315734A Abandoned CA2315734A1 (en) 1999-08-06 2000-08-04 Multi-function modular storage light unit

Country Status (2)

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US (1) US6296370B1 (en)
CA (1) CA2315734A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US7682036B2 (en) * 2001-04-11 2010-03-23 General Manufacturing, Inc. Intrinsically safe light
US20050286242A1 (en) * 2003-11-12 2005-12-29 Cooper Industries, Ltd. Method and apparatus for storing and supporting a worklight
US7163312B2 (en) * 2004-10-05 2007-01-16 Woodyard Joe E Spotlight system and method
JP2006113166A (en) * 2004-10-13 2006-04-27 Nec Saitama Ltd Illumination structure and electronic equipment
US7303298B2 (en) * 2005-04-26 2007-12-04 Sun Coast Merchandise Corporation Flashlight radio
US7549770B2 (en) * 2006-08-01 2009-06-23 Koehler-Bright Star, Inc. Module for a flashlight or lantern
US7563001B2 (en) * 2006-08-01 2009-07-21 Koehler-Bright Star, Inc. Module adapter for portable light sources
US8235552B1 (en) * 2011-02-25 2012-08-07 Makita Corporation Cordless flashlight and radio device

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
USD276375S (en) 1982-06-14 1984-11-13 Pittway Corporation Flashlight
US4447863A (en) 1983-01-24 1984-05-08 Pittway Corp Hand-held light with swivel head
USD283254S (en) 1983-10-07 1986-04-01 Pittway Corporation Flashlight
US5010454A (en) 1989-07-12 1991-04-23 Hopper Steven R Portable light assembly for an automobile
USD344151S (en) 1991-10-24 1994-02-08 Fee Tat Plastic Factory Limited Combined fashlight and fluorescent lantern
US5573109A (en) * 1993-07-30 1996-11-12 Isacson; Bruce P. Multi-function container with a light source
US5558430A (en) 1994-12-09 1996-09-24 Phorm Concept And Design, Inc. Dual beam flashlight
US5918965A (en) * 1997-06-18 1999-07-06 Ferrada; Marcelo E. Belt-mounted flashlight holder
AU139080S (en) 1998-06-17 1999-12-10 Eveready Battery Inc A lighting device

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Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
FZDE Discontinued